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were doing. I’ve never had this kind of feeling. It makes me feel all shaky but as if I again have a place where I belong.”
    Her throaty voice and heated eyes nearly broke him. His rigid erection grew even harder at her words. A feat he would have thought impossible, considering the state he was already in. If he’d been naked his cock would surely reach his stomach.
    “Sophia, I want you as much as any man ever wanted any woman, but I’ll not have you give yourself to me out of gratitude.”
    She traced her fingers over his lips, slowly and with a sensuousness that nearly shattered him. “I don’t think what I’m feeling is gratitude, Lars. No, I’m sure it isn’t.”
    Her serious look made him again wonder if he possessed the strength to walk away.
    “You’re influenced by the unusual sexual rapport we undoubtedly have. I thank the gods for it, but I don’t think you realize how unusual it is. But even that’s not enough. Your emotions are doubtless rampant now in the euphoria of your escape. You’re a virgin. This is all new to you. I won’t take your innocence from you in a moment of lust, no matter how strong my desire.”
    She said nothing for a while. Nothing to give him hope, but nothing to send him into despair. She simply stared at him, and then finally held out her hand.
    “May we now go on deck? I’ll gladly wrap a blanket around me in exchange for fresh air.”
    Lars handed her the blanket and watched as she carefully covered all her delicious curves. When her beauty was as concealed as possible, he went to the cabin door and held it open. Still her pale gold hair streamed down her back and he hated to send her back to bind it. Sophia marched through like a queen. Grinning, Lars followed her as she left the cabin. Keeping the blanket from slipping obviously was giving her difficulty, so he ducked into his cabin, got two of his ties and handed them to her. The last thing he wanted right then was his men realizing her true beauty.
    She thanked him with a regal nod and a smile that made him long to yank her back to the cabin. She paused long enough to knot the ties together to use as a belt and then proceeded on her royal march.
    Still grinning, he followed her. Her back was as straight as a board. He pitied the poor sailor who made a lewd remark when she appeared on deck.
    * * * * *
     
    There were no lewd remarks, but plenty of lascivious glances. Every man on board seemed to be eyeing her. Several men started toward them, but Lars froze them in their place with an icy glare. He moved beside her and took her hand, tucking it in his bent arm.
    “Will you walk around the deck with me, my sweet lady? I’d like to show you how well my crew takes care of the yacht.”
    He spoke loudly enough that all on deck could hear him. He noticed Sophia’s little smile, and let his eyes lose some of the glare he’d directed at his men. Every man on deck understood he was declaring this girl as his special interest, and almost all of them turned back to their tasks. Only one, a hulk of a dark-bearded man, kept his eyes on Lars and Sophia as they started their promenade. Lars noted him and shot him a warning glance that caused him to lower his eyes.
    Lars was proud of his ship, and so he pointed out the mahogany decks, the shining brass rails, all the fine touches meaning so much to him. Sophia listened attentively, asking questions whenever he paused. Finally he realized he’d been doing almost all the talking.
    The day was mild, and the waves cresting in their wake were snow-tipped but gentle. The sun had already lost its desert heat and shone brilliantly as it neared its zenith. As lovely a day at sea as he could remember, but Lars was interested only in the girl on his arm.
    He patted her hand and smiled down at her.
    “Forgive me for being so boring. Tell me about your name. Sophia is a beautiful name, but why did your parents choose it? It has a French ring to it. Or maybe Italian?”
    “You’re very